Grow Riverside: Grow Local Eat Local

Published: 01/04/2019

Do you enjoy working outside? Have you ever dreamed of being your own boss? Do you want to make a difference by improving the health of our community? Do you have a strong work ethic and love to see the fruits of your labor?

CONSIDER A CAREER IN AGRICULTUREAS A NEXT GENERATION FARMER!

Our nation is in need of new farmers to feed and keep people healthy, steward land and natural resources, and build stronger regional food economies. Whether you have just graduated from high school or are changing careers in mid-life, or are a veteran, consider becoming a farmer. Through Riverside’s NextGen Farmer Training Program, participants will learn everything about the art, science, and business of farming, with opportunities to own and operate their own farms, work outdoors, and provide locally grown products to the community. The program provides comprehensive training and mentorship over multiple years to assist new and beginning farmers become successful.

Over a ten-month period, new farmers attend evening and weekend classes totaling more than 180 hours of classroom and field training in six modules covering topics such as: irrigation, soil management, organic specialty crop production, crop planning, integrated pest management, food safety and GAP, greenhouse management, marketing and business development, and much more.

Riverside NextGen Farmer Training Program is offered in collaboration by the Riverside Food Systems Alliance, Farmworker Institute for Education and Leadership Development, the City of Riverside, and many others.

Through a series of FREE workshops, the Riverside Food Rescue & Waste Prevention Ambassador program is designed to engage with local experts and professionals to improve overall community health by neighborhood-led projects focused on actions to rescue food, encourage composting and recycling, and reducing food waste.

The Riverside Food Rescue & Waste Reduction Ambassador program is a free 40-hour certificate program that consists of five workshops followed by a community-based project over a four month period.

Workshops, totaling 20 hours, will feature lectures, hands-on work, field trips, and industry guest speakers. The second half of the program requires attendees to complete 20-hours of community volunteer work or a project pertaining to the program’s mission and goals. Upon successful completion of the program, participants will be recognized in an award ceremony with a certificate by the Mayor and City Council.

Find more stories about the City of Riverside in our latest edition of Explore Magazine